Moving deeper into understanding plants

Now that our animals are mostly settled and growing nicely, it is time to turn some attention to the growing of plants, specifically fruits and vegetables. The Farm that we ultimately wish to create will be based on both plants and animals in our own controlled ecosystem where all species are interdependent and coexisting in a set of symbiotic relationships.  This seems to be the true nature of a successful farm.

The growing of plants is perhaps even more important than the raising of animals, since animals life fundamentally relies on plants for existence. The health of nutrition of plants is one step below the health of animals in the food chain.

My research so far has been into the history of modern farming of plants (which seems wrought with as much problem as the modern raising of animals). There are fundamental problems that I see already in the commonly accepted and taught approach to raising plants. At the root of all the problem is a similar problem as that seen int eh raising of farm animals, shortsighted and narrow vision of nature by man. I am becoming convinced that the last few generations of mankind (at least in America) are suffering from a sever case of more information than we have the wisdom to apply.

Here's some of the problems in plant growth discovered so far:

1. mono-cultures - raising an abundance of one crop without the offsetting influence of other species
2. belief that plants only take 3 nutrients from the soil (NPK) and nothing else matters
3. hybridization of plant genetics to suit man's shortsighted goals (genetic inbreeding of plants) at the expense of nutritional value
4. lack of application of the system nature has to renew and preserve the soil
5. application of chemical pesticides to control the bugs that nature sends to attack unhealthy plants
6. removal of weeds intended to help regenerate the soil

That's just the tip of the proverbial iceberg.  In future blog posts I will be sharing what I learn as we go through this journey. For now let me just peak your interest in the goal:

A generation ago, valid science conducted by a respected scientist virtually proved that many of man's ailments could be cured through the proper treatment of the plants that provide for man's existence. Serious health problem such as cancer, hardening of the arteries, even genetic dispositions to particular diseases were corrected through careful and natural raising of plant food. Although published, this information has gone mostly unnoticed in today's "modern world" for whatever reason, but it is still as valid as ever.

To heal America, we have to heal her land. It is truly that simple.  At Little Sprouts Farm we are dedicated to rediscovering these truths and learn to apply them in today's world to make a positive impact on our health, our environment, and have a wonderful life while doing it!

Stay tuned for more!